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An object small enough to flush down the toilet but large enough to get stuck, like a pacifier, can lodge in the internal trap and prevent anyone from using the toilet until some unlucky person retrieves it. You may be able to do it by actually reaching into the bowl, because objects often get stuck at the first bend of the trap. If the pacifier is out of reach, however, the safest thing to do is pull the toilet, because plunging or snaking may send the pacifier into the waste system where it can cause even bigger problems.

1

Put on rubber gloves that cover your forearms and a protective mask. If the toilet is overflowing, transfer water to a bucket with an empty tin can until the bowl is less then one-third full.

2

Reach into the bowl inlet as far as you can. You may find the pacifier lodged at the top of the trap, and if so, you can pull it out. If this doesn't work, try hooking it with a straightened-out wire coat hanger. It it's still out of reach, it's best to remove the toilet to get it out.

3

Turn off the toilet shutoff valve. If you can't flush the toilet to empty the tank, put the bucket under the water connection on the bottom of the tank. Unscrew the supply hose and let water drain into the bucket.

4

Unscrew the two nuts holding the toilet to the floor with a wrench. If they are hard to turn, spray them with lubricant and wait a few minutes for the lubricant to loosen the threads.

5

Lift the toilet straight off the bolts once you're removed the nuts. This is often a two-person job. Carry it outside, set it down and lay it on its back. Water will drain from the bowl when you do this. Slip the base of the toilet inside a large plastic trash bag to avoid dripping water through the house as you move the toilet.

6

Pull back the bag. Look under the toilet. You may see the pacifier, and you can simply remove it. If not, run the coat hanger through the P-trap to push the pacifier out.

7

Scrape the old wax off the toilet flange with a putty knife and set a new wax ring in place with its tapered side facing down. Set the toilet back in place and push down on the bowl to compress the wax. Replace the nuts and tighten them with a wrench, then reconnect the supply hose and turn on the water.

Things You Will Need

Rubber gloves

Protective mask

Trash bag

Bucket

Tin can

Coat hanger

Wrench

Lubricant

Putty knife

Wax ring

Tips

When you remove the toilet, look in the waste line. Many have a 90-degree bend just past the opening, and the pacifier may be lodged there.

Stuff a rag in the waste opening while the toilet is off to keep sewer gases out of the bathroom.

Warning

About the Author

Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. As a landscape builder, he helped establish two gardening companies.